 English Language Diploma Class – 2019 – Mahad Usman Bin Affan (rz)
General Conversation and Discussion
Asking for an opinion
 What do you think about it?
 What do you think?
 What is your opinion?
 What is your point of view?
 What is your attitude to this problem?
 Alex, would you like to say something
about it?
Giving an opinion
 I think that we should consult a specialist.
 In my opinion, we need a detailed plan of
actions.
 In my view, it's a difficult task.
 The way I see it, it might be difficult to
realize at the moment.
 As far as I know, it could be very
expensive.
 As far as I'm concerned, time is the
biggest problem.
 As for me, I'm not ready to discuss it.
 This is a crazy idea, if you ask me.
Adding information
 In addition to that, we don't have enough
people for this work.
 I'd like to add that we will need new
equipment for this project.
 What's more, this office is too small for all
of us.
 Besides, there might be travel expenses.
 Also, we will need extra cash for food and
other daily expenses.
Making a suggestion
 I suggest getting a bank loan.
 Why don't we get a bank loan?
 How about using our out-of-town
laboratory for this project?
 We could rent some equipment instead of
buying it.
 You could publish an article about the
project in a local newspaper.
 Wouldn't it be a good idea to start a fund-
raising campaign?
 Let's ask James for help.
Asking to explain
 I'm afraid I don't understand.
Prepared By : Ata Rafi
 Could you explain it, please?
 Would you mind explaining it in detail?
 What do you mean?
 Why? Why not?
 Asking for clarification
 I'd like to know where you are planning to
sell the product.
 What do you mean by saying that we
don't have enough people?
 Do you mean that we should hire
someone to manage the project?
 Could you be more specific, please?
 What are you trying to say?
Explaining and clarifying
 I mean that we will have to move to a
different office and hire more people.
 What I am trying to say is that we don't
have enough money for this project.
 What I wanted to say was that we could
use volunteers.
 In other words, we are not ready yet.
 You misunderstood. Let me explain.
Asking for agreement
 Do you agree?
 What do you think?
 Right? Is that right?
 Wouldn't you agree with that? / Don't you
agree with that?
 You agree, don't you?
 Agreeing
 I agree. I agree with you on this. I agree
with Alexander.
 I agree completely. / I couldn't agree
more.
 That's true. / That's right.
 You are right.
 Right.
 Of course. / Certainly. / Sure.
 Exactly. Definitely.
 I think so.
 I suppose so.
Disagreeing
 That's not exactly true.
 I'm afraid I don't see it that way.
 English Language Diploma Class – 2019 – Mahad Usman Bin Affan (rz) Prepared By : Ata Rafi
 Not really.  It's too expensive.
 I'm sorry, but it's not quite right.  It will take too much time.
 I'm afraid I disagree.  It's too time-consuming.
 I'm afraid I can't agree with that. Asking to repeat
 I don't really agree with you on that.  I'm sorry, but could you repeat what you
 To tell you the truth, I have a different just said?
opinion.  I'm afraid I haven't heard what you said.
 Basically, I understand what you mean,  Could you repeat it, please?
but I think your conclusions are wrong.  Can you repeat it, please?
Understanding  What did you say?
 I understand.  Sorry? / Beg your pardon?
 I see. Interrupting the speaker
 I see what you mean.  I'm sorry to interrupt you, but could you
 I see your point. repeat the address, please?
 I got it.  I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a
 When you don't know the answer telephone call for Mr. Green.
 I don't know.  Forgive me for interrupting you, but I'd
 I really don't know. like to ask a question.
 I'm afraid I couldn't say.  Excuse me for interrupting you, but I don't
think this information is relevant to the
 I have no idea.
subject of our discussion.
 I wish I knew.
 I'm sorry for the interruption.
 Don't ask me.
 (See related phrases in Phrases for Certain
Doubt Situations in the section Phrases.)
 I'm not quite sure about it. 
 Maybe, but I'm not sure.
 I'm not sure that I agree with your
argument.
 I have to think about it.
 I have mixed feelings about it.
 Are you sure that this information is
correct / accurate?
Disbelief
 It can't be true!
 I can't believe it.
 I don't believe it.
 Are you serious?
 You must be joking.
Approval
 I think that it is a great idea.
 It's great! / That's great! / Great!
 It's very good! / Very good!
 It's a good point.
 You did a great job.
Disapproval
 I don't like this idea.
 I'm against this plan.
 I don't think it will work.